Race Support ?
#1
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Race Support ?
Just curious, what percent of racers use race shop for support vs going it alone?
I've been doing DE for going on 15 years now and figured a race would not be much different (IE:Needing support). But just to be safe I hired a friend (Cody @ https://www.blackforestracing.com/) to be there "just in case". I was surprised how much "could" be done, not just there to fix shi... stuff.... But all around moral support making sure the car was always in tip top shape, and coaching/encouraging/spotting on the radio.
Now I'm left with the dilemma.. Do I do this all the time or just on special occasions (this was my first race in 10 years, and the first race for this car)?.
I've been doing DE for going on 15 years now and figured a race would not be much different (IE:Needing support). But just to be safe I hired a friend (Cody @ https://www.blackforestracing.com/) to be there "just in case". I was surprised how much "could" be done, not just there to fix shi... stuff.... But all around moral support making sure the car was always in tip top shape, and coaching/encouraging/spotting on the radio.
Now I'm left with the dilemma.. Do I do this all the time or just on special occasions (this was my first race in 10 years, and the first race for this car)?.
#2
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You make a budget with and without. Call around to establish the expected price range. Interview the people who might be of interest to you. I've never heard of anyone who looked after themselves who, after they decided to use support, wanted to go back to going alone.
There are other intangibles, like enjoying the other competitors under the tent. That's how shops with a big presence get bigger. It's really nice, and a lot of fun.
But every scenario and personality is different. And the range in cost (and service, not always commensurate) is tremendous.
The cultures between shop "tents" can be VERY different, depending on the personalities and motivations of the shop owner/crew chief and the competitors. Find one that is compatible with you and your motivations.
When I had my historic racing prep shop, we would take four to ten cars a dozen times a year all over North America. A great benefit was the camaraderie "under the tent."
Perhaps that was the most important, at least for me. I had customers with me for more a decade and a half, before I sold out. We all looked out for each other. No drama, no thrashing, just good work and people going faster...
Now, I spend my time under the tents of a wide variety of shops and with a wide variety of people. Such an incredible range of talent and execution, not to mention costs.
I do like the shops with pro racing experience. It's more relaxed and they "get 'er done." The "never say die" mentality can save a weekend, which is precious if you don't (or can't) do many of them over the course of a year.
I do think more people are using track support than ever before. Time is the most precious commodity for most, and this is a great way to get more from less. That may be your most valuable yield from making this decision...
There are other intangibles, like enjoying the other competitors under the tent. That's how shops with a big presence get bigger. It's really nice, and a lot of fun.
But every scenario and personality is different. And the range in cost (and service, not always commensurate) is tremendous.
The cultures between shop "tents" can be VERY different, depending on the personalities and motivations of the shop owner/crew chief and the competitors. Find one that is compatible with you and your motivations.
When I had my historic racing prep shop, we would take four to ten cars a dozen times a year all over North America. A great benefit was the camaraderie "under the tent."
Perhaps that was the most important, at least for me. I had customers with me for more a decade and a half, before I sold out. We all looked out for each other. No drama, no thrashing, just good work and people going faster...
Now, I spend my time under the tents of a wide variety of shops and with a wide variety of people. Such an incredible range of talent and execution, not to mention costs.
I do like the shops with pro racing experience. It's more relaxed and they "get 'er done." The "never say die" mentality can save a weekend, which is precious if you don't (or can't) do many of them over the course of a year.
I do think more people are using track support than ever before. Time is the most precious commodity for most, and this is a great way to get more from less. That may be your most valuable yield from making this decision...
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Specializing in Professional, Private Driver Performance Evaluation and Optimization
Consultation Available Remotely and at VIRginia International Raceway
-Peter Krause
www.peterkrause.net
www.gofasternow.com
"Combining the Art and Science of Driving Fast!"
Specializing in Professional, Private Driver Performance Evaluation and Optimization
Consultation Available Remotely and at VIRginia International Raceway
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phefner (06-27-2019)
#5
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#7
Race Car
Just curious, what percent of racers use race shop for support vs going it alone?
I've been doing DE for going on 15 years now and figured a race would not be much different (IE:Needing support). But just to be safe I hired a friend (Cody @ https://www.blackforestracing.com/) to be there "just in case". I was surprised how much "could" be done, not just there to fix shi... stuff.... But all around moral support making sure the car was always in tip top shape, and coaching/encouraging/spotting on the radio.
Now I'm left with the dilemma.. Do I do this all the time or just on special occasions (this was my first race in 10 years, and the first race for this car)?.
I've been doing DE for going on 15 years now and figured a race would not be much different (IE:Needing support). But just to be safe I hired a friend (Cody @ https://www.blackforestracing.com/) to be there "just in case". I was surprised how much "could" be done, not just there to fix shi... stuff.... But all around moral support making sure the car was always in tip top shape, and coaching/encouraging/spotting on the radio.
Now I'm left with the dilemma.. Do I do this all the time or just on special occasions (this was my first race in 10 years, and the first race for this car)?.
As far as camaraderie goes, I have big group of friends that I race with and I meet new people all the time. You don't need to be under some big tent to get that!
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#8
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This. If you are doing it yourself, that's pretty much all you are doing even if everything goes well.
In answer to the question, from what I see, at least 60 - 75% are using some level of support but the numbers are skewed toward Cup cars.
#9
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I can't even imagine being focused enough to race if I had to deal with the car. When I show up I want to win, and I cant win if I'm worn out from changing tires, checking over the car, etc. Do one less event a year and hire a crew if cost is an issue.
#10
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Just curious, what percent of racers use race shop for support vs going it alone?
I've been doing DE for going on 15 years now and figured a race would not be much different (IE:Needing support). But just to be safe I hired a friend (Cody @ https://www.blackforestracing.com/) to be there "just in case". I was surprised how much "could" be done, not just there to fix shi... stuff.... But all around moral support making sure the car was always in tip top shape, and coaching/encouraging/spotting on the radio.
Now I'm left with the dilemma.. Do I do this all the time or just on special occasions (this was my first race in 10 years, and the first race for this car)?.
I've been doing DE for going on 15 years now and figured a race would not be much different (IE:Needing support). But just to be safe I hired a friend (Cody @ https://www.blackforestracing.com/) to be there "just in case". I was surprised how much "could" be done, not just there to fix shi... stuff.... But all around moral support making sure the car was always in tip top shape, and coaching/encouraging/spotting on the radio.
Now I'm left with the dilemma.. Do I do this all the time or just on special occasions (this was my first race in 10 years, and the first race for this car)?.
There is a massive difference between shops and you should carefully identify your needs. I work with shops that are into pro racing and treat Club Racing just like a pro event. Most pro shops will require for them to pre-tech your car at their shop so they don’t end up just doing overdue maintenance at the track. Some shops carry spares and others require you to bring your own.
Time is precious for all of us and I’d like to focus on driving the car, strategizing and running a race rather than wrenching and repairing. Shop support is like an insurance policy. It really pays off when things go wrong.
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jscott82 (06-26-2019)
#11
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That last two years I fully supported myself. Open trailer, towing to the track, all work at the track, no radios. I had a blast, made some great friends (Thanks SP2 Guys), and we all helped each other. It can be done, but if you have issues you are scrambling. I also had zero comms while on the track. My results were average.
This year I have a crew. (New car, new class.) They take care of the car on race day. We all meet about once a week to work on the car. We have great radios and two guys that are talking to me while on the track. That was a real eye opener. My results this year are above expectations.
My 0.02$
This year I have a crew. (New car, new class.) They take care of the car on race day. We all meet about once a week to work on the car. We have great radios and two guys that are talking to me while on the track. That was a real eye opener. My results this year are above expectations.
My 0.02$
#12
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I usually hire Evan Close for shoulder rubs. Sometimes I have to remind him that shoulders are above the waist Evan! But it's nice to have emotional support for the weekend.
#15
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Thread Starter
First Hoosiers now this.... At least SPC has a detox program for hoosiers now....
I really should take up a heroin habit, its much cheaper...
I really should take up a heroin habit, its much cheaper...
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